October 2011

Remember Caffe delle Stella on the corner of N. Main and Lincoln, next to Prima’s? Well, I’ve been asking around and it looks like it’s being replaced by a new restaurant called, Cafe of the Stars. When I peeked through the black mesh covering I did see some nice butterfly doors similar to Prima’s so this could be a nice remodel.

Macerich may seek to build 200 residential units at its site. The plan may also call for the demolition of an existing 200,000 square feet of retail space, then rebuild that along with an additional 200,000 or 300,000 square feet of retail space, according to an meeting agenda report.

Macerich also seeks close off most of Broadway Plaza street to create a promenade and plaza.

I think blocking off the street through Broadway Plaza would be a smart move on their part. Hardly any auto traffic moves through there currently, and the extra space available to make it nicer for shoppers and pedestrians would improve foot traffic and time spent at nearby stores. Adding some restaurants wouldn’t be so bad either. As much as I like Nordstrom Cafe, Boudin Bakery and P.F. Chang’s, a little more diversity wouldn’t hurt.

His name is Diamond, and was spotted in Civic Park in Walnut Creek riding on the swings over the weekend. If you have any fun or interesting animal/pet photos please send an email to btcreek@beyondthecreek.com with your pet’s name and what neighborhood you’re from.

This cool panel is located behind the Macy’s Men’s store near the parking garage. The sign says, Copper Horse Panel. I’m not sure sitting at this bench staring at the parking garage offers the greatest view, but at least it’ll look good behind you.

Word on the street is the Mexican restaurant Taqueria Mexican Grill is being remodeled. Unfortunately it looks like they failed to get permits for both the awning removal and the interior. Without the green awning the building looks completely different. At first glance I thought it was a completely new building. I’m curious to see how this turns out. Da Lat, the Vietnamese restaurant next door has apparently closed.

Update: Taqueria Mexican Grill had a soft opening starting yesterday, so drop in and try one of their burritos. They moved the registers to the front, put in new countertops and flat screen TVs among other changes. According to the manager the official opening will probably be in early November as soon as the permits are approved.

The building that housed both Da Lat and Cinco de Mayo (formerly Taqueria Mexican Grill) is quite changed without the awning (more on that in another post), but word on the street is that Da Lat has closed. I’ve eaten there several times and thought it was pretty decent.

Update: I’ve confirmed that a Chinese restaurant is opening up at this location.

In addition to the previously reported Halloween trick-or-treating at Broadway Plaza happening on Monday, October 31, there will also be trick or treating in downtown Walnut Creek on Friday, October 28 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm starting at the Lesher Center. Looks like this will be a busy Halloween for kids and their parents in Walnut Creek this year.